Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada

Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada Recipe | Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of rice, beef, cheese, and spices in a layered casserole. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, as it is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

The origins of Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada can be traced back to traditional Mexican cuisine, where enchiladas are a popular dish made with tortillas filled with various ingredients and topped with sauce and cheese. This recipe puts a twist on the classic enchilada by layering the ingredients in a baking dish, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp butter or margarine
2 cups cooked rice
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can chili with beans
0.5 cup picante sauce
1.5 cups (6 oz (170 g)) shredded monterey jack cheese
4 x 7 inches corn or flour tortillas
sour cream (optional)
vegetable cooking spray or 1 tbsp melted butter

How to prepare

Soak the tortillas in hot water to soften.
In a large skillet, cook the onion in butter over medium heat.
Stir in the rice, chili, picante sauce, and cheese; cook until thoroughly heated, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Place 1 tortilla in the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish or pie plate; top with 0.25 rice mixture.
Repeat the layers with tortillas and rice, ending with a tortilla.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
Cut into 4 wedges to serve. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add diced green chilies or jalapenos to the rice mixture for a spicy kick.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the tortillas in hot water before assembling the dish will help soften them and make them easier to work with.

- Be sure to thoroughly heat the rice mixture before assembling the layers to ensure that the flavors are well combined.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, such as black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes, to the rice mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the assembled dish in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of margarine.

- Use any type of cooked rice, such as white or brown rice.

- Use your favorite type of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great option for meal prep or for entertaining guests.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or a refreshing margarita for a festive meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas). It may also contain soy (margarine).

Summary

Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stacked Rice and Beef Enchilada is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With layers of rice, beef, cheese, and spices, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned to make Stacked Rice and Beef Enchiladas. It all started with a trip to Mexico with my family.

We were visiting some distant relatives in a small village in the countryside. The women in the family were busy in the kitchen, preparing a feast for us. I remember the smells that wafted through the air - the aroma of spices, the sizzle of meat cooking on the stove, and the warmth of tortillas baking in the oven.

I watched in awe as my great aunt Maria effortlessly stacked the enchiladas in a deep casserole dish, layering rice, beef, and cheese between each tortilla. She then poured a rich tomato sauce over the top, sprinkled it with more cheese, and popped it in the oven to bake.

As the enchiladas cooked, the flavors melded together, creating a deliciously savory dish that made my mouth water. When it was finally ready, we all gathered around the table to enjoy the meal together. Each bite was a burst of flavor - the tender beef, the creamy rice, the tangy tomato sauce, and the gooey melted cheese all coming together in perfect harmony.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I asked my great aunt Maria for the recipe, and she happily obliged. She showed me step by step how to prepare each component, from cooking the beef with onions and spices to simmering the rice in a flavorful broth.

I took notes diligently, wanting to make sure I didn't miss a single detail. I watched as she assembled the enchiladas, layering them in the casserole dish just as she had done before. When it was my turn to make the dish, I followed her instructions to a tee, hoping to recreate the magic of that first taste.

As the enchiladas baked in the oven, I couldn't contain my excitement. The aroma that filled the kitchen brought back memories of that day in Mexico, surrounded by family and feasting on delicious food. When they were finally ready, I eagerly served them to my own family, hoping that they would enjoy them as much as I did.

To my delight, the enchiladas were a hit. My family raved about the flavors, the textures, and the overall deliciousness of the dish. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a recipe that held such special memories for me.

Over the years, I have made Stacked Rice and Beef Enchiladas many times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition that was started all those years ago in that tiny Mexican village.

Each time I make this dish, I am transported back to that day, surrounded by family and savoring every bite of the delicious enchiladas. It is a recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that cooking and sharing food can bring.

So the next time you are looking for a comforting and flavorful meal to share with your loved ones, give Stacked Rice and Beef Enchiladas a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll look back on this recipe with a smile on your face, just like I do.